We are always seeking perfection or have an innate idea of what is in our minds and of other people. Fantasies are painted into a larger than life picture and are given vitality, expectations rise, disappointments are expressed and heartbreaks occur. Throughout this process no one wants to accept the reality of what it is; whether it’s good or bad or neither – it is what it is.

It could be when we are a little scared to realize what our self-worth is we are at our most vulnerable point in our lives. That’s when we feel weak and possibly even helpless, we connect vulnerability with weakness. If we are open, we are weak. If we let people know how we feel, we are weak. We mock those who are open, who do speak up, who do deem themselves worthy and accept things the way they are. Have I been a part of this vicious psychosis? Unfortunately, yes. Have I allowed myself to be vulnerable or hold back at the same time? Guilty as charged.

Recently I came across the work of the renowned researcher – storyteller Brene Brown and she sums it up very aptly, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” Vulnerability is not a weakness, it is the form of great power, but what fuels that power?

After reading this quote, I asked a mentor of mine (Ali Mirza), “Sir, what is vulnerability to you?” He laughed and said “vulnerability is equal to a leap of faith.” I was very puzzled and asked him how. He sighted many religious examples that amplified faith. For example; When the seas parted Hazrat Musa (r.a)/Moses’s eyes were only on God, and when Hazrat Ibrahim(r.a)/ Abraham was taking his son to be sacrificed his love and belief in God were so strong, he knew he would not be wronged.

“Vulnerability is equal to a leap of faith.” – Ali Mirza

Now if you’re not religious person, all this may seem like gibber jabber to you. However, there is some truth in this ideology. When your belief in something is so strong and you have very little or no support surrounding you, but you keeping marching ahead with eyes focused on the prize – that is your most vulnerable point. And when you do win or get that prize – that marks the leap of faith you took.

Allowing ourselves to be worthy or deeming our self-worth is a tremendously painful process. We have the power to move ahead and at the same time we hold ourselves back out of fear or a multitude of apprehensions. It is a struggle, however it’s never too late – so go ahead, use the power of vulnerability and take a leap of faith.